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In recent years, thermoplastic elastomers have been actively used for the production of irrigation hoses, replacing PVC plasticates. This rapid transition has been facilitated by the similarity of production technology for PVC and TPE hoses, which allows manufacturers to use the same production lines without modification.
The advantages of TPE hoses include:
In recent years, thermoplastic elastomers have been actively used for the production of irrigation hoses, replacing PVC plasticates. This rapid transition has been facilitated by the similarity of production technology for PVC and TPE hoses, which allows manufacturers to use the same production lines without modification.
The advantages of TPE hoses include:
- improved weather resistance and, consequently, longer hose service life;
- softness of TPE hoses at sub-zero temperatures and when pumping cold water;
- retention of elasticity when exposed to sunlight and heating.
As a rule, TPE hoses consist of several layers: an inner layer, reinforcement, an outer layer, and coloured marker stripes applied to the outer surface. Each layer has specific technological and operational requirements.
Inner layer – must have good processability and extrude smoothly without pulsation to ensure even overlaying of the top layer. Typically, the inner layer is cost-optimised using highly filled TPE or TPE based on non-weather-resistant SBS rubber. While the inner layer is not directly exposed to UV radiation, cracking of low-quality SBS-based TPE may occur when the hose is bent under sunlight for extended periods. For this reason, a higher-quality SEBS-based TPE with a density not exceeding 1.22 g/ml is recommended for the inner layer.
Outer layer – must provide weather resistance. It should not change colour under sunlight, degrade, or become sticky. From a processing perspective, the outer layer must also ensure strong adhesion to the inner layer.
For both layers, the TPE must exhibit a high tensile modulus. A higher tensile modulus reduces hose diameter expansion (bloating) under operating pressure.
In 2013, the Standard Prof Factory became one of the first manufacturers in Russia to launch mass production of TPE hoses. Today, the product range includes more than 15 different TPE hose grades designed for irrigation, technical, food, and oxygen applications. In addition, our TPE grades are characterised by excellent scratch resistance.
